Mercer Island Reporter Article

[Krista Wells]

By MEGAN MANAGAN
Mercer Island Reporter Sports Reporter
Aug 18 2011

There are a wide variety of martial arts and here on Mercer Island, there are a variety of places to go to practice whichever variety suits you.

At Mercer Island Martial Arts, located at 2630 77th Ave SE, Suite 106-108 in the 77 Central Building, the focus is on helping kids be active and learn while they have fun.

MeLisa Strongheart, a master instructor and co-owner, said they will be offering summer day camps until school starts, as well as a family program for kids and adults.

“The parents and kids get to be together for the beginning, then they split up and come back together for yoga at the end,” said Strongheart. “It’s been really fun and the families are having a blast.”

The studio has been open on Mercer Island since 1997, but recently moved to their new location in the 77 Central Building.

A big focus for MI Martial Arts has been a campaign against bullying. Strongheart said after the various suicides related to bullying they wanted to do something to educate kids about how to prevent it and then what to do if they are bullied.

“It’s been a real mission for us,” she said. “We do workshops and training with kids for free as part of our commitment to the community, and in the hopes of decreasing the problem of bullying, and the long term negative effects there of. We started this after these terrible instances of suicide. We want to reach as many kids as possible with the skills to deal better with this.”

In part because of that work and for their role in the community Mercer Island Martial Arts was named as a Hometown Hero this summer by the City of Mercer Island. The organization was honored during the Summer Celebration parade in July.

Mercer Island Martial Arts also offers an after school program for kids, but Strongheart said they fill up quickly.

More information on class times and dates can be found at mercerislandmartialarts.com.